Hey all! I'm Batu. I'm a '26 from Istanbul, Turkey, and I am passionate about the cognitive science of design, developmental psychology, aesthetics research, postcolonial literature, and social media marketing! Be sure to reach out with questions about exploring the liberal arts, learning a new language at Dartmouth, cafes in town (one of my favorite blog series dare I say), study abroad programs, and research on campus!
Writing 5 is one of the courses that count towards the first-year writing requirement. The course covered content relating to the self, transformation, and social dynamics relating to majority and minority. Dr. Godley is simply phenomenal. Her instruction was extremely accessible even though she covered intense topics. I could not have enjoyed my Writing 5 more!
Design Thinking was above and beyond my expectations. The course is structured around weekly projects, where we apply different cognitive strategies to cover topics like design principles, human need-finding, brainstorming, scenario building, and visual thinking.
Introduction to Cognitive Science covers a variety of fields including psychology, computer science, linguistics, and philosophy to provide insight into cognitive processes. This course helped me develop an understanding of all facets of cognitive science and which ones I would be interested in further pursuing as part of my major.
SummerIstanbul, Turkey
I was home during my first summer! A non-exhaustive list of things I've done includes sunbathing, coding my personal blog, and going on runs. #rest #relaxation
Psychology 10 is a deep dive into almost everything you might need to become well-versed in conducting research, analyzing data, and interpreting findings in a statistically sound manner. Professor Pfister is the most approachable professor I have ever had the pleasure of learning from. Statistics isn't exactly my forté, but I now feel confident in my stats foundation!
I loved taking this class with Madame Alverde, a professor from Université Toulouse ; Jean Jaures was an incredible experience. She made sure to correct our mistakes on the spot and improve them eloquently.
This course allowed me to explore the intersection of aesthetics and digital media, focusing on how digital environments reshape traditional concepts like materiality and form. I particularly enjoyed comparing human and AI-generated analyses of art and examining the frameworks that shape contemporary digital studies, from visual culture to design philosophy.
SummerHanover, NH
I was on campus pursuing full-time research in the Cognitive Science department. My research focuses on children's capacity to imagine and reason about possibilities!
Taught by Professor Andrew Simon, this course explored histories of the Middle East and North Africa through film, media, and supporting texts. From French Algeria to the Armenian Genocide and the Egyptian Revolution, each week centered on critical engagement with audiovisual material and primary sources. Through reflections, discussions, and a final research project, students examined how media shapes collective memory and questions of voice, power, and resistance. Thoughtful, rigorous, and deeply transformative, this course reshaped how I think about both history and storytelling.
This course offered a dynamic exploration of Paris’s art and architecture, grounding students in the city’s cultural and historical foundations. Weekly lectures established a theoretical framework spanning Paris’s origins, key art movements, and the evolution of its monuments. Our Wednesday site visits made this course truly unforgettable, where we stood before the very landmarks we studied, turning theory into lived experience.
During my sophomore fall, I went on a quest to review (almost) all of the cafés in the town of Hanover. It's been such a fun project for People Places Pines, and it's brought me closer to our little town in ways I hadn't imagined. But while chatting with a couple of friends a couple of weeks ago, I realized I'd missed a big one. Umpleby's!
Folks were shocked when I confessed I had never been to Umpleby's until my junior fall. A celebrated local favorite? Never? I knew I had to change that. So, on my last day on campus before heading out for winter break, I finally visited—and I'm thrilled to share my thoughts (yay!).
First things first, a friend of mine who works there let me in on a little secret: Umpleby's is a family-run business and has long been a beloved spot for locals. This knowledge made my visit feel even more special. I chose a rainy day for my first trip, which, as it turns out, was the perfect vibe. The cozy atmosphere welcomed me the second I walked in. The café's unique charm lies in its design—a white exterior paired with a warm, wood-covered interior that reminded me of my favorite hometown café.
Inside Umpleby's
I set my stuff down and went to order. Their dessert section immediately blew me away. The variety of cookies and treats was a sight to behold. However, I wasn't really in the mood for a sweet treat and instead opted for their sandwich special paired with a vanilla iced latte. The sandwich, served with a side of pickles (yum!), was everything I didn't know I needed on a rainy day.
Lunch at Umpleby's (while working on my slide deck)
I'd brought my computer to test whether Umpleby's could be my new go-to spot for getting work done. The verdict? It's a win. Groups of friends chatted over coffee, while others, like me, were "locked in" on their laptops. I had a slide deck to finish for one of my classes, and the ambiance was perfect for staying productive.
Overall, better late than never, right? I'm excited to make Umpleby's a regular stop once I'm back on campus in the spring. I hear they have an outdoor seating area that opens mid-spring—perfect for soaking in Hanover's charm. Here's to more cozy afternoons at Umpleby's!
Despite Dartmouth being on the periphery of the broader Northeast region, its access to major transportation hubs makes travel stress-free. But, how can students without a car see the rest of New England?
The big-little process in my sorority has strengthened my bond with my big, fostered new friendships across class years, and deepened my sense of community and belonging on campus.
